Never Miss A Story.

Daily Edition

Actors strike could be worse than WGA action

Empty

NEW YORK -- An actors strike could affect TV networks more broadly than the recent writers strike because they don't have much programming in stock and because cable shows and key reality TV figures would be affected, Standard & Poor's credit analyst Heather Goodchild said here Thursday.

In a breakfast discussion at McGraw-Hill's 2008 Media Summit New York, she estimated that there is a 40%-50% chance of a strike by actors.

While news, talk shows and game shows would not be affected by an actors strike, another work stoppage in the industry would further erode TV viewership, she suggested.

"A focus on talk and game shows would cause additional ratings loss," and could push more younger consumers to YouTube, virtual worlds and other digital entertainment options, Goodchild said.